The New England Patriots have dealt prized backup quarterback Joe Milton to the Dallas Cowboys, just a year after selecting him in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
The surprising trade comes as part of a shifting quarterback landscape in New England. Milton’s departure from the Patriots follows the team’s signing of veteran quarterback Josh Dobbs to a two-year deal.
The 30-year-old Dobbs, brought in during free agency, is expected to serve as the backup to Drake Maye, the highly regarded No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 draft. Maye, who impressed as a rookie, has established himself as the Patriots’ franchise quarterback.
With Maye secured as the starter and Dobbs assuming the backup role, the 25-year-old Milton found himself without a clear spot on the roster.
This set the stage for his trade to Dallas, where he will now join the Cowboys with the hope of developing into a future starter.
For now, the explosive Milton will serve as a backup to Dak Prescott, offering Dallas some security behind their current franchise quarterback.
Prescott’s former backup, Cooper Rush, recently signed with the Baltimore Ravens in free agency, further highlighting the Cowboys’ need for depth.
The trade sees the Patriots receive a fifth-round pick in exchange for Milton and a seventh-round selection.
The Cowboys are hopeful that Milton, who showed flashes of potential in his limited appearances as a rookie, will evolve into a long-term solution at quarterback.
Milton’s combination of exceptional arm strength and impressive athleticism make him an intriguing prospect, despite his limited starting experience.
Milton didn’t see a starting role during his rookie season with the Patriots, though he did impress in New England’s Week 18 victory over the Buffalo Bills. In that game, Milton completed 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown, while also adding 16 yards and a rushing touchdown on 10 carries.
His performance highlighted his raw potential, making him an appealing option for teams looking for a high-upside quarterback.
Despite his promising showing, the Patriots saw little opportunity for Milton to carve out a significant role with the team. The presence of Maye as the starter and the arrival of Dobbs made it clear that Milton would struggle to find playing time in New England.
Recognizing a chance to maximize his trade value, the Patriots opted to move Milton ahead of the upcoming season, particularly with the draft expected to feature a weaker crop of quarterback prospects.
In the end, the Patriots were able to secure a fifth-round pick for Milton, less than a year after selecting him with the 193rd overall pick in the 2024 draft. This trade marks a significant move in both teams’ quarterback plans going forward.
What are your thoughts on the trade? … Do you think Milton will end up replacing Prescott at some point down the road???
